Every so often, we meet an anomaly of a human being: someone who operates on a different plane of productivity, who somehow fits 30 hours into a 24-hour day, who cares deeply and works relentlessly. Yet these rare humans are integrally humble, never asking for attention, coverage or recognition. They do what they do for the greater good.
Eileen Cunha, communications director for New Paradigm Agency in Washington, D.C., is among those individuals: a force to be reckoned with, an inspiration for local youth and an advocate for communities whose voices often go unheard.
But Cunha’s journey of service didn’t begin in Washington. Growing up in Lumberton, NJ and attending Rancocas Valley Regional High School, she joined YMCA Civic Engagement programs as a freshman. Model UN — the same conference 120 WHS students attend each January — was where she first discovered her ideas carried weight. “It showed me that I had a perspective that was unique to me and that I had power in using my voice and sharing it with others,” Cunha said.
Her days writing proposals and policies at MUN launched her into a life of public service. In 2018, Cunha worked the campaign trail alongside Congressman Andy Kim and has been partnering with advocacy groups in D.C. ever since. But year after year, she returns to her home state with a purpose: giving youth the same opportunities and encouragement she needed to make her voice heard.
For students across the nation — especially those at WHS — Cunha has been a role model fueled by resilience, diligence and passion. As the MUN lead program volunteer, she organizes the conference and serves as an example of what civic engagement can look like after high school.
“I love seeing young leaders take our lessons and run with them to be so passionate about issues,” said Cunha. “It takes tremendous courage to stand in front of your peers and lead them. Seeing the kids gives me so much energy and hope for the future leaders of our country.”
Joining New Paradigm opened a new chapter of activism for Cunha. The public affairs firm in D.C. represents activist causes and campaigners in the media. In collaboration with MoveOn, a national organization known for large-scale protest efforts, Cunha even led publicity and organization for D.C.’s massive “No Kings Day” demonstration. Working with reporters, influencers and political leaders — including Bill Nye the Science Guy and Senator Bernie Sanders — she ensured the 200,000 voices chanting at the event were heard nationwide.
But “No Kings Day” isn’t her only major project. “My favorite thing about my job is the wide variety of issues I get to work on,” said Cunha. “I represent a lot of immigration groups, so right now I’m focusing on promoting messaging about the value immigrants bring to communities and the economy, pushing back against harmful rhetoric from the Trump administration.”
When students join civic engagement programs like MUN, the notion of a high school extracurricular shaping their career — let alone their life trajectory — seems impossible. But Cunha is proof that taking that leap of faith can open doors to lifelong passion.
Cunha shows that mentorship is a pillar of leadership. And the impact of one mentor choosing to pour into others again and again, reaches farther than any title ever could. Her work extends across the country, but her mentorship — that constant intentional belief in the next generation — is what truly changes it.